ముల్లును ముల్లుతోనే తీయాలి
mullunu mullutone tiyali
A thorn must be removed only with another thorn.
This proverb is used to suggest that certain difficult problems or cunning people must be dealt with using the same methods or tools that caused the trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'Fight fire with fire' or 'Set a thief to catch a thief'.
Related Phrases
ఎద్దు రొమ్ములో ముల్లుకర్ర పొడిచినట్లు
eddu rommulo mullukarra podichinatlu
Like piercing an ox's chest with a thorn-stick.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deeply hurt or offended by a direct, blunt, and painful remark or action. Just as a sharp prod causes immediate and intense pain to an ox, this phrase refers to words or deeds that strike a person at their most vulnerable or sensitive spot, causing significant emotional distress.
కాయ పత్తి కాయలో ఉండగానే, కామన్న కారుమూళ్ళు నాకు మూడుమూళ్ళు.
kaya patti kayalo undagane, kamanna karumullu naku mudumullu.
While the cotton is still in the pod, Kamanna claims his three shares of the harvest.
This proverb describes someone who counts their chickens before they hatch or makes premature claims on profits/results that haven't even materialized yet. It is used to mock people who display over-anticipation or greed regarding uncertain future outcomes.
ముల్లు తీసి గూటం కొట్టుకున్నట్లు
mullu tisi gutam kottukunnatlu
Like removing a thorn and driving in a peg.
This expression describes a situation where a person tries to solve a minor problem but ends up creating a much larger, more difficult, or painful one. It is used when a remedy is worse than the original ailment.
అరికాలి ముల్లు నెత్తికి ఎక్కినట్లు
arikali mullu nettiki ekkinatlu
Like a thorn in the sole of the foot reaching the head.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor problem or a person of low status causes a disproportionately large amount of trouble or starts acting superior and arrogant. It signifies how something seemingly insignificant can escalate and become a major headache.
ముల్లుతీసి కొట్టిన చందము
mullutisi kottina chandamu
Like removing a thorn and throwing it on the path.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person tries to solve a problem but ends up causing more harm or trouble. Instead of disposing of a removed thorn safely, throwing it back onto a path where others (or the same person) might step on it again signifies a short-sighted or counterproductive solution.
చేలో పత్తి చేలో ఉండగానే, పోలికి మూడు మూళ్లు నాకు ఆరు మూళ్లు అన్నట్టు
chelo patti chelo undagane, poliki mudu mullu naku aru mullu annattu
While the cotton crop was still in the field, he said " Three cubits [ of the cloth ] for Pôli and six for me."
This proverb describes a situation where people start quarreling over the distribution of profits or assets before they have even been harvested or acquired. It is used to mock those who make premature plans or divide imaginary gains before they actually possess them.
Pôli is a female name and here represents a cousin. Sune enough to cry " chick" when it's out of the shell. (Scotch.) 22 * Il ne faut pas enseigner les poissons à nager.
ముల్లు తీయను ముల్లే కావాలి, దొంగను పట్టను దొంగే కావాలి
mullu tiyanu mulle kavali, donganu pattanu donge kavali
To remove a thorn, you need a thorn; to catch a thief, you need a thief.
This expression means that sometimes you must use the same methods or types of people associated with a problem to solve it. It is equivalent to the English proverbs 'set a thief to catch a thief' or 'fight fire with fire,' implying that specialized knowledge or similar tactics are required to overcome a specific challenge.
ముల్లు మంటనేగాని పోదు.
mullu mantanegani podu.
A thorn does not leave without causing a burning sensation.
This expression means that certain painful experiences or mistakes inevitably leave a lingering sting or consequence even after the problem is addressed. It is often used to describe how a sharp insult or a bad deed continues to hurt long after the event has passed, implying that relief is never instantaneous.
అరికాలి ముల్లు అరచేతికి రావడం
arikali mullu arachetiki ravadam
A thorn from the sole of the foot coming into the palm of the hand.
This expression describes a situation where an existing problem or burden is handled so poorly or transferred in such a way that it creates a new, more inconvenient, or direct complication. It is used when a solution to a minor issue ends up causing a more immediate headache.
అరికాలి ముల్లు నెత్తికి ఎక్కినట్టు
arikali mullu nettiki ekkinattu
Like a thorn in the sole of the foot reaching the head.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a small or seemingly insignificant problem causes immense irritation, extreme anger, or distress throughout the entire body and mind. It conveys the feeling of sudden, sharp frustration.